Goal for Sheltering the Homeless

Los Angeles city government has taken a good first step toward housing its homeless in a temporary downtown shelter. Even more important, by saying that the temporary structure will be taken down June 10 it has also set an effective deadline for creating safe, permanent shelter.

The Community Redevelopment Agency is coordinating the effort with materials and labor donated by the building trades union in a quick response to a plea for help from Mayor Tom Bradley. The shelter will be managed by Skid Row Development Corp., which has a record of concern and skill in dealing with the homeless. Now it is Los Angeles County’s turn to do its share by providing money to help operate the shelter.

The temporary shelter, to be located near 5th Street and San Julian Place, will provide beds for 200 to 300 men and women. Badly needed as those beds are, they represent only a partial solution. More beds are needed downtown, especially for families. And the homeless are not confined to Skid Row. Shelters are vital for the San Fernando Valley and the Westside as well.

The mayor has also asked city departments to tell him about any vacant land or buildings that might be used for shelter. The establishment of temporary quarters must not be allowed to curb the momentum toward creating permanent shelter. The city and the county have five months to construct a safe, permanent shelter, find a group to operate it, and ensure that it will have operating funds. It is a manageable goal.